GOnotting hill in west london

One of London’s
most famous addresses – thanks to the moment when
a sultry Julia Robert’s cornered Hugh Grant in his
tiny bookshop on Portobello Road –
is Notting Hill [map].

Aside from the successful British film and its annual Caribbean carnival this area of London
is famous for its eclectic range of shops.
One of Notting Hill’s most exciting streets is Portobello
Road, and it is here that you’ll find Portobello
Market [map].

Not only is this mile-long market the ideal place to pick
up a bargain, it’s also the place to be seen as
the cool crowd in London flock here every Friday and Saturday
between the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm to purchase a retro item
of clothing or a unique piece of jewellery.

The Westbourne Grove [map] end of the market
offers arts and crafts, fresh and organic fruit and vegetables
and vintage clothes and jewellery. There’s also
a variety of food stalls to tempt you and stalls selling
bric-a-brac.

While you’re there check out the fantastic antique
shops that line this road.

If you’re a bookworm or looking for a gift Notting
Hill is definitely the place to visit.

Make your first port of call The Travel Bookshop [map],
Blenheim Crescent, which is said to be the inspiration
behind the bookshop featured in Notting Hill. Peruse the
extensive range of travel books and find a quiet nook
or cranny to read excerpts from your selections.

Food lovers will want to put aside an afternoon of their
shopping expedition for the delights awaiting behind the
doors of Books For Cooks [map],
Blenheim Crescent.

Containing all the books you will ever need to get your
first Michelin Star, this shop is the perfect place to
pick up an interesting present for someone. Books For
Cooks also holds cookery courses and there is a test kitchen
at the back of the shop serving bargain lunches for hungry
shoppers.

Those into fashion don’t need to be told that over
on Pembridge Road [map], is where you’ll
find The Dispensary, which has a wide
stock of streetwear fashions. Perfect for a night on the
tiles or an understated dining experience.

The Jacksons [map],
All Saints Road, stocks the kind of accessories that Notting
Hill has become synonymous with. Choose from an extensive
collection of unique hats, bags, belts and shoes.

One of the areas that the film missed out on is the huge African influence that dominates much of Notting
Hill. This richly diverse area is home to a wealth of
exotic food shops and beautiful ethnic goods.

Go where Hugh Grant failed to venture and check out African
Escape [map],
Portobello Road, which has an immense collection of goods,
clothing and gifts at great prices.

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